New Zealand has turned out to be one of the most famous tourist attractions because of snow-clad mountains, old glaciers, cordial people, verdant hills, and fine wine. You require a lot of time to visit the best places and try enthralling activities on your New Zealand trip. So, from where and how should you start your road trip around New Zealand? Check the points below to learn what you can do at different places to plan the ultimate road trip around New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, is one of the best places to hang out with your friends. You can snorkel on Goat Island and go for a wine tour on Waiheke Island. With the help of a tour company like Auckland & Beyond, you can explore Auckland to the fullest.
2. Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands, located on the North Island’s northern tip, has a bay with 144 islands surrounded by a rocky coastline after miles of beach. This location is home to some of the most exquisite beaches in New Zealand. You can try boating, swimming, kayaking, and viewing whales at the Bay of Islands.
3. Hobbiton
If you are a movie buff and bookworm, you just can’t afford to miss going to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings featured Hobbiton movie set. Even if you don’t watch movies or read storybooks much, you can visit “behind the scenes” in a unique environment. To explore Hobbiton, you can take a tour by driving via the 505-hectare sheep farm that gives you breathtaking views over the Kaimai Range. Then, you can visit Bag End, roam across the Hobbit holes, and go to the Green Dragon Inn.
4. Rotorua
Rotorua, a popular tourist destination in the North Island, is only 1 hour away from Hobbiton by road. The name “Rotorua” hails from the authentic Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” which means “second lake” since it was the second lake that Ihenga, the Maori chief, discovered in that location. The Maori, the original New Zealand inhabitants, arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. Rotorua is the best location to explore Maori culture and history. Watching Maori cultural shows, mainly the “Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience,” can be an unforgettable experience. The beautiful landscape and geothermal activities in Rotorua make it a good location for adventurous nature walks and relaxing in luxury spas with hot spring wate, or admiring unique foliage like the iconic monstera plant often found in local gardens and accommodations.
5. Waitomo
Waitomo, famous for glowworms, is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. The Waitomo glowworm cave is a breathtaking tourist destination. You can view them by walking, abseiling, and floating down an underground river. Try rafting and abseiling to have unforgettable experiences.
6. Taupo
Taupo, a portion of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, is located on the Ladke of Taupo shores. It is an area with high volcanic activity. Taupo offers local markets, exquisite nature, and many boating excursions, and hikes. It is a good place in New Zealand for skydiving because of the clear sky and views. You will enjoy the hikes, sitting by the lakeside, and Taupo’s small-town vibes.
7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The sulfur and volcanoes’ reddish environment is one of the best things to experience when trekking in Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is considered one of the best global hikes with a 19-kilometer trek, which takes 1 day to finish, depending on your physical stamina. When winding your way via Tongariro National Park, you will walk via volcanic terrain and the area where Mordor in the “Lord of the Rings” movie was filmed. You can pass by sulfur lakes and high mountains and finish the day inside a dense forest. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is easy to explore in parts from start to end and steep inside others, mostly the part after Mount Doom. Thus, you will get to experience the perfect mix of difficult-to-reach levels. Ensure to take water, a hat, sunscreen, toilet paper, and a jacket or weather at Tongariro Alpine Crossing since the weather changes rapidly.
The Bottomline
So, now you have an idea of how to plan the ultimate road trip around New Zealand. It comes with a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and Kiwis, which can be the best things to explore. You can have a life-changing New Zealand trip experience because of its remote location. A well-planned road trip as per your preferences can give you memorable moments.
